Crafting the Elements: Ceramic Art of Modern Japan from the Collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz

Bellarmine Hall

September 29 - December 16, 2016

Ceramic art is an ancient, enduring and vibrant form of creative expression in Japanese culture—a medium created from the fusion of the elements earth, fire, and water. Contemporary ceramic artists in Japan are deeply mindful of the venerable forms and traditions underlying their craft, and their works frequently abound with historical references. At the same time, many of these artists boldly bend and stretch artistic conventions to incorporate new forms and ornamental language. Echoes of ceremonial vessels and implements co-exist beside fluid, organic and evocative shapes that push the medium to its most elastic possibilities.

This exhibition presents a choice selection of contemporary Japanese ceramics from one of the most distinguished private collections in America. Seen together, the works demonstrate the creative dynamism and artistic innovation embodied in this most traditional of art forms as practiced by Japanese ceramic artists today.

Crafting the Elements: Ceramic Art of Modern Japan is made possible by the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation, the Japan Foundation, New York, and Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz.

Audio clips were recorded by Dr. Ive Covaci, Adjunct Professor of Art History at Fairfield University, who talks about selected works in the exhibition, examining the resonance of tradition in contemporary Japanese ceramics. Listen on our mobile app at app.cuseum.com/fuam.

Crafting the Elements: Ceramic Art of Modern Japan is presented in conjunction with two other exhibitions highlighting Japanese art in Connecticut this Fall—HANGA NOW! Contemporary Japanese Printmakers at the Art Museum, University of St. Joseph, West Hartford (September 23–December 18, 2016), and An Eye to the East: The Inspiration of Japan (October 12, 2016–February 26, 2017) at the Bush-Holley House of the Greenwich Historical Society.